Above All

Performed by Michael W. Smith - Signed by Ibfound93

A Christmas Present...

Today, my friend, Celeste from Celestina Marie Design posted about a Rosary (in the photo below) that she received from me.  It was a lovely story that she shared.   I have been extremely blessed by the friendships my Rosaries have led to.

A Friend...

A Priceless Gift, by Helen Steiner Rice
 Isn't it amazing how we all seem to make friends that we have never even met?  Sometimes there's that connection that makes it seem that you've known someone forever!  My friend, Celeste, who lives in Texas and is from the Blog Celestina Marie Design sent me a surprise Gift in the mail last...
week.  When I say surprise...I mean surprise!!  I recognize her packages, because she always has them decorated so pretty.  They must be the prettiest packages the Postal Service sees!!  So...I ripped it open and found this pretty box inside...with a card tucked under the ribbon.  Friendship is a priceless gift.

That can't be bought or sold,

But its value is far greater

Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,

And in your times of trouble,

It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen,

No heart to understand.

It cannot bring you comfort 

Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift,

Be thankful that he sends,

Not diamonds, pearls or riches,

But the love of a real, true friend.

And when I opened up the box, I found the most beautiful handmade ornament I've ever seen.  It had Celeste's hand-painted Roses, a Lady, Boa fringe, Glitter and dangling Crystals.  It's the most romantic Christmas Ornament or Decoration in my case...ever!  (I remind you, I have ALOT of Celeste's beautiful trays, boxes, plaques, lamps, ornaments...and this one is the tops!!)

See for yourselves...

On the table, you can catch a glimpse of the pretty Christmas Card, with a hand-written note by Celeste...and the beautiful Tag she made, too.

I'm attached the ribbon at the top of the ornament to the switch on the lamp...and it hangs perfectly well there.  The first night it was there and the lamp was on, the dogs were a little apprehensive when the heat turned on...the vent is right beneath and to the left of the table.  The heat made the ornament wiggle and the boa trim flutter about.  Now that it's been a few days, they're just fine with it.

And here's the close-up of it.  It's so dreamy and beautiful.  It's ethereal!  It's gorgeous.  I love it!!

Thank you Celeste...from the bottom of my heart!!

Published - First Time for Me

BEDFORD COMMUNITY PAPER
A couple of weeks ago, my Massage Therapist, Heidi asked me if I would want to write an article for the local newspaper, Bedford Now.  She said she thought I would do a good job writing about my journey with Bell's Palsy.  I jumped at the chance to get my message out, even if it is in a small town newspaper.  You never know who will be reading it that needs it.  The article was published on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in the Bedford Now Newspaper.  Beauty Meets Spirit - It's about Women Living Healthier Lives of the weekly article...

My Bell’s Palsy Journey

By Jan Tanis

Bell’s Palsy hits hard and usually without warning.  It causes paralysis on one side of the face and brings a myriad of symptoms with it, such as:  mouth and eye droop; difficulty speaking and chewing;  no smile; eye doesn’t blink; dry eye; can’t raise eyebrow; excessive tearing; drooling; reduced sense of taste; sensitivity to sound; headaches; depression and pain.  You look like you’ve had a stroke.  It’s caused by swelling to Cranial Nerve VII which exits the skull in front of the ear, near where the jaw attaches and is either caused by trauma or virus.  Actually no one really knows why you get it and there is no known cure.  Most people totally recover, with or without the Medications prescribed, however, some don’t.   

On Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, at 4am, I was able to drink fine from a glass, but when I got up 2 hours later, I dribbled my glass of water all down the front my blouse.  I was experiencing trouble speaking, my mouth was drooping and I was in pain.  I was diagnosed with a severe case of Bell’s Palsy, with total paralysis of the right side of my face, including my neck muscles.  I declined the typical method of treatment for Bell’s Palsy which is Steroids and Anti-Viral Medications   

The following day, I saw my Massage Therapist, who used “healing touch” for a massage that was gentle, relaxing and healing.  The “natural” modalities of treatment I chose were to help me relax, feel good and heal.  Massage, Reiki, Raindrop Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage helps balance our bodies and bring about restoration and healing.  Treatments were once a week for 3 months, to lessen the pain, pressure, swelling and over-all tired feeling and to encourage healing.  Reducing stress, drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, getting enough sleep and taking Vitamins and Essential Oil Tablets that help regenerate nerves are things I continue to do.  Nerves regenerate at the rate of about 1” per month and with the distance from the nerve (near the ear) to the middle of my paralyzed face, I figured my recovery would take anywhere from 6-9 months or more.    

Currently, treatments are every other week.  I have taken Reiki I & II, received the attunements and am now able to perform it on myself, others and pets.  Through training videos, I learned to do Self-Lymphatic Drainage for my ears and head, which I do regularly and I feel they have helped immensely.  I have a Blog where I share information about Bell’s Palsy and my recovery – complete with Video Updates of my progress.    

My progress has been slow and there were times I wondered if I would ever improve.  Day #99 was my first muscle movement.  I had several set-backs in my progress early in my recovery, and am experiencing one right now, but I have a smile and some cheek and eyebrow movement.  Puckering my lips, wrinkling my nose, speaking and eating is still difficult, if not impossible but every day I marvel at how far I’ve come and the ability I have to keep a positive attitude.   

The caring and tender touch of my Therapists has been very beneficial to me throughout this ordeal.  I know the treatments and methods I chose to help me heal were the best for me.  Everything has worked together and allows my recovery to progress, while keeping me calm.  One day soon, I hope to be able to say – I’m back to normal, whatever that means!

Our Old Nest

This is the House I moved into when my Hubby & I married on June 25, 2005. It was his house - where he and his wife had lived for over 20 years (she passed away from cancer) - and raised 7 children.  During the 6 months we lived in this house, I sorted, gave away and tossed tons of stuff...making a place for things that we really wanted to keep. We removed teal carpeting, rust shag carpeting and carpeting that looked like the carpeting from the back... of a van. I restored all of the hardwood flooring...in the Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom hallway. I took down layers and layers of wallpaper. Painted the Bedroom, bathroom, dining room, living room and the fairy dusted ceiling in the Family room (that even glowed in the dark!) Then...hubby announced to me...we're going to sell the house and buy something for US! WHAT? After I'd almost finished DECORATING THIS HOUSE? Well, we did...We couldn't believe how quickly that house sold.
Being the Interior Designer that I am...it sounded intriguing.
(We) I decided to have a MOVING SALE - and since it was January/February, that meant INSIDE. OK, we began setting up. Moved the bedroom set into the Living room...pulled all the stuff out of closets, cabinets, set everything up. We had a large area of the house to do just that. Living room, dining room, kitchen and family room, all connected. We ended up selling just about everything. We slept on an air mattress til we moved...almost 2 months. Luckily, the people we sold the washer and dryer to, allowed us to keep it til we moved. I wouldn't have wanted to have to lug laundry around.
(We've since moved from here...but nonetheless, it's a GREAT story!)

Now, mind you...Tom's first wife died of cancer and had been ill for quite a while before I moved into the house, after we married. So...that was part of the reason of all the clutter and disarray.

First thing I did was CLEAN the Kitchen, so that I could cook and bake and feel at home. I cleared out all of the cabinets, drawers and cupboards. I got rid of everything I knew I wouldn't use. I either pitched it, gave it to Tom's grown kids or it went to Goodwill. I eliminated all of the things attached to the front of the refrigerator - notes, calender, pictures, business cards - almost every inch of the front of the side by side refrigerator/freezer was covered!! Then, every kitchen appliance that was on the countertop was cleaned and the free-standing microwave cart was given away. Tom actually was much happier once I cleaned up and gave it and the cooktop, microwave and countertops a good scrubbing with SoftScrub with Bleach. Wow, that certainly whitened everything up. Then, with some Homer Formby's Cabinet Refinishing Liquid, I went over every inch of wood in the kitchen!! Then I scrubbed the floor with Pine-Sol "Baby"!!! I cleaned the Kitchen window and hung a new valance - put down a new rug and hung some new kitchen towels. 

Then...I was open for cooking and baking!!!

Here is an AFTER photo collage of the Kitchen. You can get a glimpse of the kitchen in the background of the photo top right of the collage below. Clutter everywhere.

These are the BEFORE shots of our LIVING ROOM.  Notice all the little "notes" in the collage photo.  We had Teal Carpeting...there were 2 Layers of Wallpaper (as I found out when I began to remove it)...a large sectional, 3 bookcases filled to the brim with books and photos.

To the left of the sectional...on the wall adjacent to the closet door you see, is the front door.  With the sectional where it was...it was very difficult to open the front door - because it didn't "clear" the side of the sectional.  The room was unbalanced and "cold".

This room had wonderful southern exposure...a huge window area and had LOTS of potential - so I was anxious to get at it!!!  Wondering what I did with this room?  I had to keep it more NEUTRAL...since we would soon be selling it!!

Now...for the AFTER PHOTOS!!

What a change!!  I loved the hardwood floors!!  The new furniture placement, allowed for a gorgeous view out the large window...and allowed you to see the TV.  Behind the Sectional along the wall with the closet door and front door...I now had an Entry Way and access to the Closet for coats and better yet...I was able to open the front door all the way!!!

The view out the front window photo...actually shows the old paint color, which was a green-tinted white.  The week the FOR SALE sign went out, I painted.  I loved the color - Lasso.  It looked like chocolate milk...and warmed up the entire space.  

You'll notice how uncluttered this room is, too.  I like it that way - especially when the house is for sale.

  REMINDER:  Our house sold, in just under 2 months, with the closing at Christmas time...right after the market for selling houses "tanked" in 2005!  At the time we listed our house...there were 10 others for sale in our tiny subdivision and several of them had been for sale since I  moved to Michigan in April 2005 - mind you our closing was in December...and some of the houses still weren't sold!!!

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OK...on to the Master Bedroom!  It wasn't big, it didn't have an attached Master Bathroom...no walk-in closet.  It did have almost Brand-New Carpeting (which I liked) and the Peachiest Paint on the wall (which I didn't like).  It had a Pedestal Bed, with drawers underneath...Matching Armoire Cabinet and Chest of Drawers...and the FIRMEST MATTRESS ever!!  There was an old Cedar Chest under one window and 2 Floor Lamps, which I referred to as HAIR DRYER LAMPS!  LOL!  (Take a peek and tell me if they don't look like 'em)

Here is the BEFORE of this room...

Now...here are the AFTER pictures of our Master Bedroom!

*Less clutter *More neutral *Calming *Peaceful *Serene (REMEMBER...I knew we would soon be SELLING this house, when I was doing the re-decorating of this Bedroom!)

So what do you think?  Doesn't it look different?

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As you can see, there wasn't much dining going on in this room.  The table is sitting against the wall on the right.  There is what I called "VAN" carpeting on the floor...you know the kind...little pile...dull color.  Then there was the wallpaper and painted trim.  The wallpaper was terribly bright - much different than it appears in the photo.  Imagine Williamsburg Blue painted trim...with ORANGE, YELLOW and blue on an off-white background.  Rows and Rows...floor to ceiling and back again...of ORANGE, YELLOW and blue print!!  

Believe me, when I say...It didn't grow on me.

  

One saving grace of this Dining Room...is the VIEW out the large window and that that window cranked out on both sides to let in fresh air.

*************

Here is the AFTER...

Originally, the plan for the Dining Room included a soft color paint on the walls...with the addition of a mid-wall placement of a Hydrangea Wallpaper Border, but because by the time I painted, we had decided we were going to SELL the house, I opted for NEUTRAL.

What do you think?

Notice the gorgeous hardwood floors that I uncovered and refreshed!!!

************

All in all, it was alot of work - but if we hadn't done what we did, it never would have sold.  Over a year after we moved, 4 of the houses that were for sale in our little subdivision when we got married, were still for sale.  And we'd been through each of them.

What they say is so true...Neutralize and de-clutter and have a GREAT price and Open Houses - and your house will sell.  Ours did - and quickly.

Christmas Decorating

I'm going to share with you a story of a Christmas Past.  This Story begins in June of 2005, when Mr. CSP & I were married after an on-line relationship and courtship.  Why on-line?  Because I lived in Wisconsin, 5 1/2 hours away from the future Mr. CSP in Michigan.  Neither of us had the flexibility in our schedules to travel and have a face-to-face meeting for 9 months.  By then, we knew we were going to marry.  Finally, in April the trip was made...
he travelled from Michigan to visit for several days and took some of my belongings back home with him.  I stayed in Wisconsin to get my apartment rented and everything sold .  I had an apartment full of furniture, dishes, everything - and it was all sold, paid for and hauled away in just under 4 hours.  ALL OF IT.

In May, I moved to Michigan...into Mr's house.  His previous Mrs had passed away of cancer the year before.  The month I lived there, before our wedding, he stayed at a friend's house at night - all very proper.

We both loved birds, especially Cardinals (and Chickadees) - so out came our gorgeous Cardinal dishes, with pretty red chargers.  I really preferred softer, pastel colors to the red of the Cardinals, but the plates were so pretty.  (sorry about the flash in the photos, I had just begun blogging)

June 25th - 2005, we married.

After our honeymoon in Wisconsin - we returned home and began working on it...ripping out aqua blue carpeting and even some shag carpeting...and refinishing the hardwood floors.  I ripped down wallpaper, cleaned the entire house and painted just about every room in the house.  

Then along came our 1st Christmas.

Here's our table set for 2 for Christmas Eve Dinner...complete with Topiaries.

Looking out the window, you can see the snow. 

Jim Shore Nativity Scene

Our First Christmas Tree

It had about 150 lights per foot - and it was a 7' tree...loaded with ornaments, too.  Then when I was finished decorating the tree, I let the SNOW fall from above the tree, as I stood on a ladder and sprinkled it.

We had a huge window, and most of the Christmas Cards fit nicely in the center along with the 2 1/2' Snow Lady and 3 small Christmas Trees. 

Here's the view from near the front door coming into the Living Room...the room on the left is the Dining Room.

This was Mr. CSP's Sectional (La-Z Boy) - that I cleaned up and bought new pillows for - pulled to the center of the room, with walk-way from the front door, into the house, behind the sectional.  I had a table and 2 chairs next to the closet door you see on the left - under the lit-up Wreath...a great place for removing shoes or boots.

I will be sharing a few more Christmas past Stories in the coming days, so watch for them.

Merry Christmas!!

I Can Only Imagine

Somewhere In Time Part 1

Part I of Somewhere In Time 

From two different times, he finds her.  And she asks these haunting words - "Is It You?"  
In this unabashedly romantic film, an elderly woman approaches playwright Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) and presses a pocket watch into...
his hand whispering, "Come back to me." Years later, Collier becomes obsessed with a picture of an early 1900s actress (Jane Seymour) and discovers that she's the woman who gave him the watch. Collier wills himself back in time to find the woman, and the pair begins a love affair out of time.

 Here is the Trailer of this movie...

The first time I ever saw this movie, was in the Theatre. Through the entire movie, I sat mesmerized. Not only by the scenery, but by these Two Young Actors...Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The story line held my attention and my heart ached for them both. My emotions were all over the place...happy one minute and sad the next. But...I keep coming back to this movie, time and time again. Tom and I have probably watched it 5 or 6 times since we've been married. Many times when we go on vacation, we take it with us and watch it. It is truly a Romantic movie.

 Elise and Richard


That Memorable Kiss

Elise McKenna's Necklace  

The moment when Richard first sees the portrait of Elise in the film was also the first time Christopher Reeve saw the portrait. The director's objective was to get a genuine reaction from him, so it was kept hidden from Christopher Reeve until the moment Richard first turns and sees it.

Come back tomorrow for Part II of Somewhere in Time

Somewhere In Time Part 2

THE GRAND HOTEL, became one of the nation's favored summer resorts during the Victorian era. Vacationers arrived in large lake excursion boats from Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit seeking the cooler weather on Mackinac Island.  They...
danced to Strauss' waltzes, listened to Sousa's stirring marches, dined on whitefish and strolled along the broad decks.

To accommodate overnight guests, boat and railroad companies financed the building of Grand Hotel. Perhaps the most noticeable first impression of Mackinac Island is the absence of automobiles. Mackinac Island is accessible only by boat or plane.

Visitors and residents travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.

There are only 600 year-round Mackinac Island residents.

During the summer, there are more than 500 horses.

The Somewhere In Time filming location was spectacular (the magnificent Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan). Amazingly, only a few scenes were shot in Chicago; the rest of the filming took place on the island. The soundtrack by John Barry was the most moving we’d ever heard and, coupled with an incredible piece of music by Rachmaninoff, sets the mood of the movie. The costuming was nominated for an Oscar but lost to Tess that year. Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour have great chemistry on-screen and they are very believable as the characters they portray.

Automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island, Michigan, location of the Grand Hotel and site of much of the movie. The use of cars for the movie required special permission from the town. Although cars were allowed for filming, the cast and crew weren't allowed to drive them outside of actual filming for the movie.

 One of the most captivating things fans cherish about Somewhere In Time, is that the location in which it was filmed, is a real place, not just sets built and then destroyed. Therefore, fans can visit Mackinac Island and stand on the same spots as the characters, effectively "living the movie" for a few days in their own lives. It is enchanting, and very romantic with its aura of the past, truly like traveling back in time. The Somewhere In Time Weekends, when fans dress in period attire to honor and celebrate the film, are the closest thing to actual time travel as one can get.


Interesting Facts About Grand Hotel Built in 1887

*385 guest rooms with no two decorated the same.
 *Breakfast and dinner are included daily.
*Guests 11 years and younger stay and eat free.
 *At 660 feet, Grand Hotel's Front Porch is the world's longest.
 *It takes 500,000 gallons of water to fill Grand Hotel's swimming pool, named for actress Esther Williams, who starred in the 1949 movie This Time for Keeps, filmed at Grand Hotel.
 *Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer, was filmed at Grand Hotel in 1979. 
*The Somewhere in Time fan club hosts a weekend each October at Grand Hotel.
 *The Mackinac Bridge, visible from the hotel, was opened in 1957 and joins Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. At 8,614 feet, it is the longest suspension bridge in North America.
 *Five U.S. Presidents have visited Grand Hotel: Harry Truman, John Kennedy, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
 *More than 50,000 Grand Pecan Balls, the hotel's most popular dessert, are served each season.
 *The Grand Hotel's Front Porch flowers include 2,500 geraniums in 260 planting boxes.
 *One ton of bulbs are planted in the fall, including 25,000 tulips and 15,000 daffodils.
 *More than 125,000 bedding plants (annuals) are used to create the gardens throughout the hotel grounds

Today, I'll leave you with the

Theme Song from Somewhere In Time

Please return tomorrow as we continue with Somewhere in Time Part III.

Somewhere In Time Part 3

Welcome again, as we continue our trip through Somewhere In Time - the Movie starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.  If you've missed Part I or Part II you can see them here.

Jeannot Szwarc ran into a small problem directing both Christopher Reeve and Christopher Plummer in the same scene. When he said, "Chris," both men replied, "Yes?"  He said that this would never do, so he consulted with producer...
Stephen Deutsch, and together they decided that from now on, Christopher Plummer would be known as "Mr. Plummer", and Christopher Reeve would be known as "Bigfoot".

RELEASE DATE:  3 January 1981

 Christopher Reeve ~ Richard Collier September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004
 Jane Seymour ~ Elise McKenna February 15, 1951

"Somewhere In Time" (1980)

Directed by Jeannot Szwarc
 Screenplay by Richard Matheson
Based on the novel Bid Time Return, written by Richard Matheson

Starring:

 Christopher Reeve,
 Jane Seymour,
 Christopher Plummer,
 Teresa Wright,
 Bill Erwin,
 George Voskovec,
 Susan French,
 William H. Macy

 MPAA Rating:
PG U.S.

Box Office:
$9,070,000

 Production budget:
$5.1 million

Cast:
Christopher Reeve - Richard Collier
 Jane Seymour - Elise McKenna
 Christopher Plummer - William Fawcett Robinson
 Teresa Wright - Laura Roberts
 Bill Erwin - Arthur
George Voskovec - Dr. Gerald Finney
 Sean Hayden - Young Arthur
Susan French - Older Elise
 John Alvin - Arthur's Father
Eddra Gale - Genevieve
Richard Matheson - Astonished Man
William P. O'Hagan - Rollo
Bob Swan - Stagehand with Note
Don Franklin - Tourist in Hall of History
Hal Frank - Stage Manager
Taylor Williams - Maitre D'
Michael Woods - Dinner Guest
George Wendt - Student
Audrey Bennett - Richard's Date
Val Bettin - Director
Patrick Billingsley - Professor
Susan Bugg - Penelope
Paul Cook - Doctor
Laurence Coven - Critic
David Hull - Hotel Manager
Bruce Jarchow - Bones
Tim Kazurinsky - Photographer
Ted Liss - Agent
William H. Macy - Critic
Ed Meekin - Fisher
Audrie Neenan - Maid in Play
Jeannot Szwarc - Director
Stephen Deutsch - Producer
Burt Bluestein - First Assistant Director
Isidore Mankofsky - Cinematographer
Jack Faggard - Special Effects
Jean-Pierre Dorleac - Costume Designer
Jeff Gourson - Editor
John Barry - Composer (Music Score)
Mary Ann Biddle - Set Designer
Richard Matheson - Screenwriter, Book Author
Roger Heman - Sound/Sound Designer
Seymour Klate - Production Designer

On May 27th, 1995, Christopher Reeve, known throughout the world for his role as Superman, was paralyzed from the neck down in a riding accident.

Sadly, Chris died but, what emerges through this film is a portrait of an intelligent, determined, candid and outspoken man who was able to maintain his sense of humour in the face of adversity. His inspiring personality will shine through as you follow his unpredictable, emotional journey. Contains two stirring documentaries, Hope in Motion and Choosing Hope, filmed over a 2 year period by Christopher Reeve’s son Matthew. Features candid interviews with Christopher Reeve, his doctors and footage of his rehabilitation. Special Features include a candid interview with Christopher about his injury: an interview Jim MacLaren, Jesse Billauer and Brooke Ellison about living with spinal cord injuries; a featurette about the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. A portion of the profits will benefit the Christopher Reeve Foundation.  

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   Home decoration is an important form of self-expression. Colors, textures, furniture and light all work together to make a room functional and comfortable. Jane Seymour, an experienced artist and home decorator, teaches readers in simple steps how to tranform a house into a home that is personal, warm and welcoming for family and guests. Using her own home, Coral Canyon in Malibu, California, as an example, Seymour shows how anyone can change out the look of their home, affordably and practically. For Seymour, collecting the things you love and displaying them in a creative way is more satisfying than being surrounded by expensive, impersonal decorating. Divided into chapters based on living spaces, “Making Yourself at Home” gives specific instructions for designing and decorating each type of space, including rooms for entertaining guests, family gathering places, private spaces, individual’s rooms, and creative outlets.

 Seymour believes each person is an artist in his or her own right, and in this book she encourages everyone to find the artistry within. “With this book, I want to inspire people to discover their own style and make it easy to put it all together.” --Jane Seymour. The book is a very personal peek into Jane’s family’s home and lifestyle, including many photos of her family. Hardcover.    
 
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Relaxation? Tis the Season...Try These Easy Steps!

Proper Breathing is KEY to Relaxation, and when I read the article it made me recall being in Band in Grade School and High School and taking Saxophone Lessons.  Mr. Cerwin, the instructor, insisted that I learn how to breathe using my diaphragm.  Diaphragm?  What's that, I asked.  He explained and instructed me on how to breathe so that I would have the needed breath  inside me to blow into the saxophone and play!  I never forgot about that and...
have always breathed that way!  How about you?  Do you breathe using your chest or do you breathe using your diaphragm (where your stomach rises and falls with each breath).   I thought it is so important for all of us to breathe properly to get to the state of relaxation, that I would share this article with you.  Let me know what you think about it.  For those trying to unwind and relax, there may be an easier way to do it than spending endless amounts of money on expensive yoga classes or therapy sessions. In fact, everyone possesses the key to relaxation within themselves and that key is proper breathing.

Proper Breathing is the Key to Relaxation 

The word inspire actually translates to breathe in. In ancient times, they believed that every time a person inhaled, the divine spirit was entering them. While this may or may not be true, there is something truly inspiring about every intake of breath. The word expire means to exhale or, as it is more commonly used, to die. It’s actually fitting to view breathing in this way because when a person exhales, they rid their body of dangerous toxins. This is just one of the important ways that breathing helps to maintain a person’s overall health.

What is a Proper Way to BreatheHowever, there is more to it than that. Though most people are unaware of it, there is actually a proper way to breath. There is a difference between breathing for relaxation and the way that most people breathe. Usually people breathe with their chest, which results in short bursts of air that are only sufficient enough to get them through a few seconds. This is called thoracic breathing. Instead, breathing should be done through the diaphragm. When done properly, a person should only have to take 6 to 8 breaths every minute. This type of breathing pattern is called diaphragmatic breathing.

Proper Breathing for Mental and Physical RelaxationWhile many associate proper breathing with yoga and the mental relaxation one gains from such an activity, there are actually physical benefits to adopting a proper breathing technique. Deep rhythmic breathing actually slows down the nervous system, which in turn can help a person to feel more relaxed. It also helps to prevent a person from feeling overwhelmed.  Panic attacks and other anxiety orders can also be caused by improper breathing techniques. When a person inhales, oxygen is brought into the body, which is then absorbed by blood cells. This reaction causes the release of carbon dioxide, which is then exhaled. Quick, rapid breaths can actually upset the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide and, in many cases, can actually lead to a panic attack.

Relaxation Starts from Gaining Control of Your BreathingIn order to fully relax, a person must gain control of their breathing and learn to breathe through their stomach. To do this, a hand should be placed on the stomach in order to watch it rise and fall through the inhale and exhale. For further assistance, the other hand can be placed on the chest. This hand will help to detect whether or not the chest is being used to breathe or not. If the hand moves, then the diaphragm is not being fully utilized and the breaths are most likely shallow and uneven.  Statistics show that once a person learns how to breathe properly during periods of relaxation, they tend to adopt a new breathing pattern altogether. This change helps to create a greater sense of calm and well being.

* Stacy is a hobby writer for Patioshoppers.com, who enjoys stress free moments on her outdoor patio where she practices relaxation breathing techniques.

Island Mansion New York

Watch Island is a private island in the Thousand Islands region with a magnificent 6500 square foot Victorian mansion conveniently located between Clayton and Alexandria Bay near the Thousand Islands Bridge. The home features 10 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on 1.3 acres. The mansion features all modern amenities and also has a large boat house and extensive...
docking facilities. The property is also available for rent.   The house was built in 1903 by Walter Jerome Green Jr. of Utica, NY.  Mr. Green was director/vice president/treasurer of Savage Arms

Corporation where he worked for 25 years. He was President of Utica Investment Company, resident Utica City National Bank and Director of First National Bank and Trust Company.

Mr. Green was Rear Commodore of the Frontenac Yacht Club and had a 75' Yacht named Verdi according to the June 6, 1909 New York Times.

Watch Island is one of the 1000 Islands set in a tranquil bay overlooking the St Lawrence Seaway. It is a restored 100 year old Victorian home with spectacular views of ships, sunsets, 1000 Island Bridge, and the Rock Island Lighthouse. Diningroom is a large gracious room seats 6 to 16+ with 12 windows overlooking the seaway and evening sunsets. Comfortable living room furnished in antiques with piano, fireplace and views of the river. Country-size, full-service, eat-in kitchen and pantry. The house is surrounded by 4 furnished porches with breathtaking views..one enclosed in glass/ screens. All baths have claw-foot soaking tubs/showers. Boathouse with deep water and plenty of dock space. Crystal clear water for swimming. The house was originally built with servants quarters if anyone wishes to bring a nanny and cook there is plenty of room. The grounds are manicured and plenty of room for outside games, sports or just relaxing in the hammock.

A charming and unique part of the world nestled among 1,800 enchanting islands in the St. Lawrence River. Rich in history and exciting historical activities such as a French Festival, tour & enjoy tea in lovely castles, ride in antique boats, partake in boat auctions, picnic on island parks where children play on old fashioned playgrounds, stroll thru villages with gingerbread houses that take you back to the turn of the century, dine on the front porch of grand old hotels. Delight in the stories of people who lived year-round on islands... who went to school in a school boat or ice skated across the frozen river to school, visit one of the oldest post offices in the US which is on an island. Share in the excitement of Pirates Weekend, the Poker Race of the roaring cigarette boats, delight in the parade of antique boats, visit wonderful art galleries, restored opera house, antiques shops, watch the islanders come by boat to get their supplies at the town dock in Clayton, NY.

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FOR RENT:

{These are the Rates for 2012}

Peak: May 26-Sep 08...$5,950/week...$19,000/month.Special Pricing: June 2 - June 30....$3,450/week...$17,000/month
Available weekly & monthly.Above rates are for up to 2 families.
Off Peak: Sept 8 - May 26...$2,900/week...$10,000/monthAdditional families add $500; singles $250A family = 2 Adults & Children under 18

Please call for corporate meetings, weddings and other special events.

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FOR SALE:

HISTORICAL WATCH ISLAND CLAYTON, NY $1,590,000

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UPDATE 6-3-2014

Additional Information

ABOUT WATCH ISLAND

One of the 1800 islands that dot the majestic St. Lawrence Seaway, yet one of only an elite handful of islands available to rent in the area, Watch Island nestles in a peaceful bay with views of ships, sunsets, Thousand Island Bridge, and the venerable Rock Island Lighthouse spread before it. 

Situated between Clayton and Alexandria Bay, this upscale, upstate New York rental offers an impeccably restored, 6,500 square foot Victorian mansion to the discerning family seeking an elegant vacation home.

The house contains gracious living quarters that include an antique-filled living room with fireplace ideal for family gatherings after a long day's exploring. 

The turn-of-the-century house also boasts a country kitchen, impressively equipped pantry, four furnished porches, and a grand dining room that seats up to 16. The dining room's 12 generous windows offer ever-changing views of the seaway and sunsets. Ten bedrooms sleep a maximum of 20 people. Magnificent Victorian detailing, such as wood paneling and a grand staircase, features throughout. 

The home is air-conditioned and centrally heated and all four baths have claw-foot soaking tubs or showers. A deep-water boathouse and extensive docking facilities accommodate a number of craft.

Spend lazy days on-island curled up in a nook or catching up with current events by satellite, cable, or online. Grill the day's catch on the outdoor grill or barbecue. Paddle the periphery of the island in the property's canoe or pedal past quaint, century-old gingerbread houses and grand, old hotels onshore on one of the island's two bicycles. While away long summer evenings in the screened porch watching river life pass by and lights begin to glow on shore.

With its proximity to Alexandria Bay and the inland ponds and rivers of Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, the 1.3-acre island is perfect for an activity-packed family vacation. Kayaking is possible between islands, and the waters of Alexandria Bay offer excellent wreck diving. Float fishing excursions for bass, pike, muskie, and walleye make memorable family bonding experiences. In winter, snow kite skiing and snowmobiling are merely two of the exhilarating outdoor options on offer nearby.

Historic Clayton, New York, once the northern terminus of the New York Central Railway, is now very much the cultural center of the Thousand Islands area. The town is home to an array of intriguing museums, and much of the historic downtown dates back to the early 1800s. Clayton offers a plethora of restaurants and even a spa. Other options awaiting onshore range from antiquing, cycling, sailing, and golf to fishing, horseback riding, and big game and upland bird hunting. 

Yet more treasures lie mere minutes downriver. Boldt Castle, George C. Boldt's fabled 120-room testament of love to his wife, basks on Hart Island and is open to visitors May through early October. Only accessible by boat, Rock Island Lighthouse welcomes visitors to the perfectly preserved 1847 structure. Island parks on Wellesley Island and Keewaydin State Park boast charming old fashioned children's playgrounds, 

Watch Island is offered for weekly and monthly rental for up to two families at a time, with additional families at extra charge. Those who truly fall in love with this unique property can opt to stay indefinitely.

Watch Island is now offered for sale for $1,950,000.